Saving Sampurna: Farmer Rescues Weakened Orangutan From Forest Fires in Indonesia's Borneo
The animal received oxygen and IV fluids and will be moved to a rehabilitation centre after rescuers linked its condition to thick smoke.
- On Sunday, August 30, 2026, farmer Jais discovered a weak orangutan writhing on the ground at a palm-oil plantation in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, near an active wildfire zone. The animal was later named Sampurna.
- Across Borneo and Sumatra, wildfires have burned at least 202,010ha of land from January to July, straining Indonesia's efforts to contain haze that triggered respiratory illnesses and forced thousands of schools online.
- Two hours after discovery, veterinarian Komara from Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia arrived to provide care. The around 20-year-old animal suffered hypoxia and breathing problems from thick smoke, receiving oxygen and intravenous fluids.
- Foundation CEO Karmele Llano Sanchez stated Sampurna will be moved to a rehabilitation center for recovery and eventual release into the wild. The foundation has rescued seven orangutans due to fires so far.
- Sanchez warned that authorities must prepare for the long-term effects of wildfires on public health, forests, and wildlife rather than focusing solely on fire containment. This incident underscores the broader environmental impact of the ongoing fire season.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Orangutan rescued from fire zone in Indonesia's Borneo, battles ...
KETAPANG, Indonesia — On Sunday (Aug 30) morning, Jais, a farmer in Ketapang, West Kalimantan on Borneo island — the province hardest-hit by raging forest fires — was en route to his farm when he found an orangutan writhing on the ground in a weak state on a palm-oil plantation near the fire site."It was very weak, then I gave...
Orangutan rescued from fire zone in Indonesias Borneo, battles respiratory illness - The Tribune
On Sunday morning, Jais, a farmer in Ketapang, West Kalimantan on Borneo island — the province hardest-hit by raging forest fires — was en route to his farm when he found an orangutan writhing on the ground in a weak state on a palm-oil plantation near the fire site. “It was very weak, then I […]
Saving Sampurna: Farmer rescues weakened orangutan from forest fires in Indonesia's Borneo
Wildlife organization Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia has rescued seven orangutans from fires so far, as the country battles to contain haze from forest and land fires
Orangutan rescued from fire zone in Indonesia’s Borneo, battles respiratory illness
By Yuddy Cahya Budiman and Willy Kurniawan KETAPANG, Indonesia Aug 30 (Reuters) - On Sunday morning, Jais, a farmer in Ketapang, West Kalimantan on Borneo island - the province hardest-hit by raging forest fires - was en route to his farm when he foun...
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